Jaguar E-Type, Full Specifications
Overview
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Production Years | 1961-1975 |
| Body Styles | 2-seat roadster (OTS), fixed head coupe (FHC), 2+2 coupe |
| Engine(s) | 3.8L XK I6, 4.2L XK I6, 5.3L V12 |
| Displacement | 3781cc (3.8), 4235cc (4.2), 5343cc (V12) |
| Power | 265 bhp (3.8/4.2 I6), 272 bhp (V12) |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft / 353 Nm (3.8), 283 lb-ft / 384 Nm (4.2), 304 lb-ft / 412 Nm (V12) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual (Moss or Jaguar all-synchro), 3-speed automatic (2+2 only) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Suspension (front) | Independent, double wishbones, torsion bars, anti-roll bar |
| Suspension (rear) | Independent, lower wishbones, fixed-length driveshafts, twin coil springs per side |
| Brakes | Disc brakes all round, inboard rear (Series 1/2), outboard rear (Series 3) |
| Steering | Rack and pinion (manual, power-assisted on Series 3) |
| Construction | Monocoque centre section with tubular front subframe |
Series 1, 3.8 Litre (1961-1964)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.8L XK DOHC inline-6 |
| Displacement | 3781cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 87mm x 106mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 (standard), 8.0:1 (low compression) |
| Fuel System | 3x SU HD8 carburettors |
| Power | 265 bhp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft (353 Nm) @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed Moss manual (no synchro on 1st) |
| 0-100 km/h | ~7.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 241 km/h (150 mph) |
| Fuel Economy | 14-18 L/100km |
| Kerb Weight | 1220 kg (roadster), 1260 kg (FHC) |
| Length | 4445mm (roadster/FHC) |
| Width | 1657mm |
| Height | 1219mm (roadster), 1219mm (FHC) |
| Wheelbase | 2438mm |
| Track (front/rear) | 1270mm / 1270mm |
| Fuel Tank | 64 litres |
| Tyres | 6.40 x 15 crossply (original), 185/15 radial (common upgrade) |
Series 1, 4.2 Litre (1964-1968)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.2L XK DOHC inline-6 |
| Displacement | 4235cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 92.07mm x 106mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 (standard), 8.0:1 (low compression) |
| Fuel System | 3x SU HD8 carburettors (early), 2x SU HD8 (later) |
| Power | 265 bhp @ 5400 rpm |
| Torque | 283 lb-ft (384 Nm) @ 4000 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed Jaguar all-synchro manual, 3-speed Borg-Warner auto (2+2 only) |
| 0-100 km/h | ~7.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 241 km/h (150 mph) |
| Fuel Economy | 14-18 L/100km |
| Kerb Weight | 1260 kg (roadster), 1310 kg (FHC), 1390 kg (2+2) |
| Length | 4445mm (roadster/FHC), 4680mm (2+2) |
| Width | 1657mm |
| Height | 1219mm (roadster/FHC), 1270mm (2+2) |
| Wheelbase | 2438mm (roadster/FHC), 2667mm (2+2) |
| Track (front/rear) | 1270mm / 1270mm |
| Fuel Tank | 64 litres |
| Tyres | 185 VR 15 |
Series 2, 4.2 Litre (1968-1971)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.2L XK DOHC inline-6 |
| Displacement | 4235cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 92.07mm x 106mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 (standard), 7.8:1 (US-spec) |
| Fuel System | 2x Zenith-Stromberg 175 CD-2SE (most markets), 2x SU HD8 (some markets) |
| Power | 246 bhp @ 5500 rpm (Stromberg), 265 bhp (SU) |
| Torque | 263 lb-ft (357 Nm) @ 3500 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed Jaguar all-synchro manual, 3-speed Borg-Warner auto (2+2 only) |
| 0-100 km/h | ~7.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | 225 km/h (140 mph) |
| Fuel Economy | 15-19 L/100km |
| Kerb Weight | 1290 kg (roadster), 1330 kg (FHC), 1415 kg (2+2) |
| Length | 4445mm (roadster/FHC), 4680mm (2+2) |
| Width | 1657mm |
| Height | 1219mm (roadster/FHC), 1270mm (2+2) |
| Wheelbase | 2438mm (roadster/FHC), 2667mm (2+2) |
| Track (front/rear) | 1270mm / 1270mm |
| Fuel Tank | 64 litres |
| Tyres | 185 VR 15 |
Key Series 2 Changes
- Open headlights (no glass fairings)
- Larger front indicators below bumper line
- Larger rear lights with integrated reversing lights
- Rocker switches replace toggle switches
- Larger intake opening
- Collapsible steering column
- Revised brake servo
Series 3, 5.3 V12 (1971-1975)
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.3L SOHC V12 |
| Displacement | 5343cc |
| Bore x Stroke | 90mm x 70mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel System | 4x Zenith-Stromberg 175 CDSE carburettors |
| Power | 272 bhp @ 5850 rpm |
| Torque | 304 lb-ft (412 Nm) @ 3600 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed Jaguar all-synchro manual, 3-speed Borg-Warner Model 12 auto |
| 0-100 km/h | ~6.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 237 km/h (147 mph) |
| Fuel Economy | 18-25 L/100km |
| Kerb Weight | 1435 kg (roadster), 1540 kg (2+2) |
| Length | 4680mm |
| Width | 1683mm |
| Height | 1226mm (roadster), 1283mm (2+2) |
| Wheelbase | 2667mm |
| Track (front/rear) | 1365mm / 1346mm |
| Fuel Tank | 82 litres |
| Tyres | 205/70 VR 15 (ER70 VR 15) |
Key Series 3 Changes
- 5.3L V12 engine (only engine option)
- Wider track front and rear with flared arches
- Cross-drilled ventilated disc brakes
- Power steering standard
- Automatic gearbox most commonly specified
- No fixed head coupe variant, roadster and 2+2 only
- Larger grille with chrome surround
- Anti-roll bars front and rear
- Longer wheelbase across all body styles
Engine Variants
XK 3.8L DOHC Inline-6
The legendary XK twin-cam six in its 3.8-litre form. Triple SU carburettors feed 265 bhp through a characterful and responsive engine. The short stroke and high-revving nature give it an eager feel, though the 3.8 relies on revs more than the torquier 4.2. Oil leaks from cam covers and rear main seal are standard. The aluminium cylinder head is prone to warping if overheated, never let the temperature gauge climb.
XK 4.2L DOHC Inline-6
Enlarged bore takes the XK to 4235cc with a significant gain in mid-range torque. Same power output on paper but a much more flexible engine in practice. The 4.2 pulls strongly from 2000 rpm where the 3.8 needs winding up. Came with the all-synchro gearbox, which is a major improvement over the Moss unit. The definitive XK engine for road use.
5.3L SOHC V12
Jaguar’s all-alloy V12 with single overhead cams per bank. A masterpiece of smooth power delivery, it’s one of the most refined engines ever fitted to a sports car. Four Zenith-Stromberg carburettors, twin distributors, and a complex cooling system create maintenance demands that the XK six doesn’t have. Fuel consumption is staggering by modern standards. When running well, the V12 is magnificent. When not maintained, it’s a money pit.
Transmission Options
Moss 4-speed manual (3.8 cars only)
Heavy, agricultural, no synchromesh on first gear. You double-declutch or accept the crunch. Ratios suit the 3.8’s power band but the shift quality is poor by any standard. Robust enough, they rarely break, but unpleasant to use in traffic.
Jaguar all-synchro 4-speed manual (4.2 cars and Series 3)
A dramatically better gearbox. Synchromesh on all four gears, a cleaner shift action, and ratios that suit the 4.2’s broader torque curve. This box transformed the E-Type’s usability. In the Series 3, it’s paired with the V12 but was less commonly specified than the automatic.
Borg-Warner automatic (2+2 and Series 3)
A three-speed automatic offered on the 2+2 from 1966 and on the Series 3. Competent but unexciting. Saps some performance but suits the grand touring character, especially with the V12. Most Series 3 V12s were sold with the automatic, and it’s a good match for the engine’s torquey character.
Production Numbers (approximate)
| Variant | Numbers Built |
|---|---|
| Series 1 3.8 Roadster | ~7,800 |
| Series 1 3.8 FHC | ~7,700 |
| Series 1 4.2 Roadster | ~9,500 |
| Series 1 4.2 FHC | ~7,800 |
| Series 1 4.2 2+2 | ~5,600 |
| Series 2 Roadster | ~8,600 |
| Series 2 FHC | ~4,900 |
| Series 2 2+2 | ~5,300 |
| Series 3 V12 Roadster | ~7,990 |
| Series 3 V12 2+2 | ~7,300 |
| Total (all variants) | ~72,500 |
Notable Features
- Monocoque with subframe: The centre tub is a stressed monocoque (steel unibody), while the front subframe is a tubular steel structure carrying the engine, front suspension, and steering. The subframe bolts to the monocoque and can be removed as a unit.
- Independent rear suspension: Jaguar’s innovative IRS with lower wishbones, fixed-length driveshafts acting as upper links, and twin coil springs per side. Complex but effective, it gave the E-Type handling poise that live-axle competitors couldn’t match.
- Inboard rear disc brakes (Series 1/2): The rear discs are mounted inboard, adjacent to the differential. Reduces unsprung weight but causes heat soak from the diff. Series 3 moved to outboard rear discs.
- Bonnet assembly: The entire front of the car (bonnet, wings, inner structure) tilts forward as a single unit, providing extraordinary engine access. Beautiful engineering, but the assembly is heavy and the hinge mechanism complex.
- Heritage Certificate: Available from the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust. Confirms original build specification, engine number, colour, destination, and build date. Essential for any serious purchase.
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